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"... This review focuses on selected areas that should interest both the scientist and the clinician alike: polymorphisms within the factor VIII and factor IX genes, their linkage, and their ethnic variation; a general assessment of mutations within both genes and a detailed inspection of the molecular p ..."

This review focuses on selected areas that should interest both the scientist and the clinician alike: polymorphisms within the factor VIII and factor IX genes, their linkage, and their ethnic variation; a general assessment of mutations within both genes and a detailed inspection of the molecular pathology of certain mutations to illustrate the diverse cause–effect relations that exist; a summary of current knowledge on molecular aspects of inhibitor production; and an introduction to the new areas of factor VIII and factor IX catabolism. An appendix defining various terms encountered in the molecular genetics of the haemophilias is included, together with an appendix providing accession numbers and locus identification links for accessing gene and sequence information in

Abstract.—Light microscope and scanning electron microscope observations on new material of unicellular microfossils Dictyosphaera macroreticulata and Shuiyousphaeridium macroreticulatum, from the Mesoproterozoic Ruyang Group in China, provide insights into the microorganisms ’ biological affinity, life cycle and cellular complexity. Gigantosphaeridium fibratum n. gen. et sp., is described and is one of the largest Mesoproterozoic microfossils recorded. Phenotypic characters of vesicle ornamentation and excystment structures, properties of resistance and cell wall structure in Dictyosphaera and Shuiyousphaeridium are all diagnostic of microalgal cysts. The wide size ranges of the various morphotypes indicate growth phases compatible with the development of reproductive cysts. Conspecific biologically, each morphotype represents an asexual (resting cyst) or sexual (zygotic cyst) stage in the life cycle, respectively. We reconstruct this hypothetical life cycle and infer that the organism demonstrates a reproductive strategy of alternation of heteromorphic generations. Similarly in Gigantosphaeridium, a metabolically expensive vesicle with processes suggests its protective role as a zygotic cyst. In combination with all these characters and from the resemblance to extant green algae, we propose the placement of these ancient microorganisms in the stem group of Chloroplastida (Viridiplantae). A cell wall composed of primary and secondary layers in Dictyosphaera and Shuiyouisphaeridium required a high cellular complexity for their synthesis and the presence of an endomembrane system and the Golgi apparatus. The plastid was also present, accepting the organism was photosynthetic. The biota reveals a high degree of morphological and cell structural complexity, and provides an insight into ongoing eukaryotic evolution and the development of complex life cycles with sexual reproduction by 1200Ma.

"... independent auditor to express an opinion about the financial statements and the financial position of the institution. The complete audited financial statements are made available on the institution’s website at www.ciw.edu. The Carnegie Institution of Washington completed fiscal year 2008 in sound ..."

independent auditor to express an opinion about the financial statements and the financial position of the institution. The complete audited financial statements are made available on the institution’s website at www.ciw.edu. The Carnegie Institution of Washington completed fiscal year 2008 in sound financial condition due to the positive returns of the diversified investments within its endowment; a disciplined spending policy that balances today’s needs with the long-term requirements of the institution and the interests of future scientists; and the continued support of organizations and individuals who recognize the value of nurturing basic science. The primary source of support for the institution’s activities continues to be its endowment. This reliance on institutional funding provides an important degree of independence in the research activities of the institution’s scientists. As of June 30, 2008, the endowment was valued at $870 million and had a total annual return, net of management fees, of 5.5%. Over the last five fiscal years, the endowment has grown from $526 million to more than $870 million, an increase of 65%. Carnegie’s endowment has returned an annualized 14.6 % over the trailing five years for the period ending June 30, 2008.